Standards Addressed (include prioritization E, I or C)
Lesson Prioritization (E, I, C)
Timing Suggestion(s)
Investigation 1: The Effects of Hurricanes on Human Lives
Describe the environmental, economic, and human impact of hurricanes.
Examine satellite imagery pictures and use these images to monitor a storm system.
Form explanations based on accurate and logical analysis of evidence. Revise the explanation using alternative descriptions, predictions, models and knowledge from other sources as well as results of further investigation.
I - Standard5.2.M Heat energy stored in the oceans and transferred by currents influence climate. A disruption of the circulation and temperature of the world’s oceans would foster climate change and have environmental and economic consequences.
E - Standard 5.3.A: Global weather data from ground measurements, satellites and radar are recorded on maps, analyzed, and used to predict local weather.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E
1 block (90 minutes) or 2 50 minute periods
Investigation 2: Describing the Local State of the Atmosphere
Observe, measure, and describe weather using atmospheric properties (wind speed and direction, cloud cover and type, temperature, dew point, air pressure, and relative humidity).
Record and interpret daily weather measurements over an extended period of time using a variety of weather instruments (i.e., barometer, anemometer, sling psychrometer, rain gauge, and thermometer) in order to identify weather patterns.
Construct, analyze and describe graphs to show relationships between weather data.
Use cloud characteristics (height and form) to predict the weather.
Describe how cloud characteristics (height and form) are used to predict weather.
E - Standard 5.2.F: The atmosphere has properties that can be observed, measured, and used to predict changes in weather and to identify climatic patterns.E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E
2 blocks or 4 periods* weather log data collection over six weeks minimum (Do Now assignment)
Investigation 3: How the Sun's Energy Heats the Earth's Surface
Explain the Sun’s significance as an energy source in weather systems.
Investigate how electromagnetic energy is transformed into heat energy by a variety of Earth materials.
Explain why the uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surfaces produces convective currents which move air.
Describe how heat energy is transferred by convection and its significance to weather systems.
Explain the role of density in the convection cycle using the Particle Model.
E - Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns.E- Standard 3.2.D When energy from the sun is transferred to objects and substances, it can be transformed into a variety of energy forms. (TOE unit) E - Standard 3.3.B When a substance absorbs heat energy, or when a different form of energy is absorbed by the substance and is transformed into heat energy, the substance usually expands. The particles within the substance do not expand but the space between the particles increases. (TOE unit)
E
2 blocks or 3 periods
sand, soil, water lab requires a lot of guidence and explanation (data can be too similiar)
Investigation 4: How Atmospheric Pressure Affects Weather
Describe air pressure/atmospheric pressure as the pushing effect created by the particles of gas in our atmosphere. Pressure is expressed as the pushing force over a defined area (such as a square inch or square meter). High pressure indicates a greater pushing force and low pressure a lesser pushing force.
Describe how the uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surfaces produces pressure differences in the atmosphere, leadingto local and global atmospheric movement.
Describe the role of high and low atmospheric pressure in the prediction of changes in weather.
E - Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns. E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes. E - Standard 5.2.F: The atmosphere has properties that can be observed, measured, and used to predict changes in weather and to identify climatic patterns.
E
2 blocks or 4 periods
submerging a tube in water needs to be teacher directed (hose, water and pump = trouble)
Investigation 5: The Importance of Water in the Atmosphere
Observe, measure, and describe weather using temperature, dew point and relative humidity.
Use models and diagrams of the water cycle to show how the circulation of water through the Earth’s crust, oceans and atmosphere occur and how the addition or removal of energy is required for changes in physical state.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E - Standard 5.2.A: Water cycles from one reservoir to another through the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation. Energy transfers and/or transformations are associated with each of these processes.
E
1 block or 2 periods
Investigation 6: The Formation of Clouds
Describe how the formation of clouds is influenced by the dew point, environmental temperature and amount of microscopic matter in the air.
Describe how various lifting mechanisms affect cloud formation.
Describe how air pressure and temperature change with increasing altitude and/or latitude.
Observe, measure, and predict changes in weather using atmospheric properties (cloud cover and type along with other weather data).
E - Standard 5.1.B: The movement of water among the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere affects such things as weather systems, ocean currents, and global climate.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E - Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns. E - Standard 5.2.F: The atmosphere has properties that can be observed, measured, and used to predict changes in weather and to identify climatic patterns.
E
1 block or 1 period
Fog is important!
Investigation 7: Making Short Term Weather Predictions
Observe measure and predict changes in weather using atmospheric properties (wind speed and direction, cloud cover and type, temperature, dew point, air pressure, and relative humidity).
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E
1 block or 1 period
Investigation 8: How Weather Data is Used to Forecast the Weather
Examine weather maps to describe the movement of fronts and storms and to predict their influence on local weather.
Examine satellite imagery pictures and use these images to identify cloud patterns and storm systems.
Record and interpret daily weather measurements over an extended period of time using a variety of instruments in order to predict and to identify weather patterns.
Describe how origin affects the temperature and moisture content of an air mass. Describe how the interaction of air masses produces different fronts (warm, cold, and stationary) that influence our weather.
E - Standard 5.3.A: Global weather data from ground measurements, satellites and radar are recorded on maps, analyzed, and used to predict local weather.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students. E - Standard 5.2.J:Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes.
E
2 blocks or 3 days
Investigation 9: How Storms Distribute Energy Around the Globe
Discuss the origin and identify characteristics of storm systems including hurricanes, nor’easters, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and mid-latitude cyclones.
Explain how these weather events can transfer heat energy. Describe the environmental, economic, and human impact of these storms.
Compare and contrast different storm systems (tornadoes, nor’easters, hurricanes, and thunderstorms) in terms of size, formation, and associated weather.
E - Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns. E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes. E - Standard 5.2.I: Ocean currents, global winds, and storm systems, redistribute heat energy on Earth’s surface and therefore affect weather and long-term climatic patterns of a region.
E
2 blocks or 3 days
Investigation 10: Weather and Climate
Describe the general relationship between latitude and average temperature throughout the year.
Describe the general pattern of energy differences on Earth in terms of locations with a surplus and locations with a deficit. Relate the energy surplus to temperature.
Describe how the surplus of energy is distributed on Earth by global winds and water currents and how these local and global patterns affect weather and climate.
Describe the difference between the weather at a location and its climate.
Apply knowledge of air mass movement, temperature change with altitude, general patterns of wind currents, general patterns of ocean currents, the uneven heating and cooling of land versus water, and proximity to or distance from water to infer climate differences in different locations.
E - Standard 5.2.G The climate at a location on Earth is the result of several interacting variables such as latitude, altitude and /or proximity to water.
E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes. E - Standard 5.2.G The climate at a location on Earth is the result of several interacting variables such as latitude, altitude and /or proximity to water. E - Standard 5.2.M Heat energy stored in the oceans and transferred by currents influence climate. A disruption of the circulation and temperature of the world’s oceans would foster climate change and have environmental and economic consequences.
Examine satellite imagery pictures and use these images to monitor a storm system.
Form explanations based on accurate and logical analysis of evidence. Revise the explanation using alternative descriptions, predictions, models and knowledge from other sources as well as results of further investigation.
E - Standard 5.3.A: Global weather data from ground measurements, satellites and radar are recorded on maps, analyzed, and used to predict local weather.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
Record and interpret daily weather measurements over an extended period of time using a variety of weather instruments (i.e., barometer, anemometer, sling psychrometer, rain gauge, and thermometer) in order to identify weather patterns.
Construct, analyze and describe graphs to show relationships between weather data.
Use cloud characteristics (height and form) to predict the weather.
Describe how cloud characteristics (height and form) are used to predict weather.
Investigate how electromagnetic energy is transformed into heat energy by a variety of Earth materials.
Explain why the uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surfaces produces convective currents which move air.
Describe how heat energy is transferred by convection and its significance to weather systems.
Explain the role of density in the convection cycle using the Particle Model.
E - Standard 3.3.B When a substance absorbs heat energy, or when a different form of energy is absorbed by the substance and is transformed into heat energy, the substance usually expands. The particles within the substance do not expand but the space between the particles increases. (TOE unit)
Explain why airdensity changes affects atmospheric pressure.
Describe how the uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surfaces produces pressure differences in the atmosphere, leadingto local and global atmospheric movement.
Describe the role of high and low atmospheric pressure in the prediction of changes in weather.
Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns.
E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes.
E - Standard 5.2.F: The atmosphere has properties that can be observed, measured, and used to predict changes in weather and to identify climatic patterns.
Use models and diagrams of the water cycle to show how the circulation of water through the Earth’s crust, oceans and atmosphere occur and how the addition or removal of energy is required for changes in physical state.
E - Standard 5.2.A: Water cycles from one reservoir to another through the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation and precipitation. Energy transfers and/or transformations are associated with each of these processes.
Describe how various lifting mechanisms affect cloud formation.
Describe how air pressure and temperature change with increasing altitude and/or latitude.
Observe, measure, and predict changes in weather using atmospheric properties (cloud cover and type along with other weather data).
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E - Standard 5.2.H: Energy from the Sun heats the Earth unevenly causing pressure differences and air movements (convection currents) resulting in changing weather patterns.
E - Standard 5.2.F: The atmosphere has properties that can be observed, measured, and used to predict changes in weather and to identify climatic patterns.
Examine satellite imagery pictures and use these images to identify cloud patterns and storm systems.
Record and interpret daily weather measurements over an extended period of time using a variety of instruments in order to predict and to identify weather patterns.
Describe how origin affects the temperature and moisture content of an air mass. Describe how the interaction of air masses produces different fronts (warm, cold, and stationary) that influence our weather.
E - Standard 1.1.C: Understand that: In a scientific investigation, data collection involves making precise measurements and keeping accurate records so that others can replicate the experiment. Be able to: Accurately collect data through the selection and use of tools and techniques appropriate to the investigation. Construct tables, diagrams and graphs, showing relationships between two variables, to display and facilitate analysis of data. Compare and question results with and from other students.
E - Standard 5.2.J:Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes.
Explain how these weather events can transfer heat energy. Describe the environmental, economic, and human impact of these storms.
Compare and contrast different storm systems (tornadoes, nor’easters, hurricanes, and thunderstorms) in terms of size, formation, and associated weather.
E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes.
E - Standard 5.2.I: Ocean currents, global winds, and storm systems, redistribute heat energy on Earth’s surface and therefore affect weather and long-term climatic patterns of a region.
Describe the general pattern of energy differences on Earth in terms of locations with a surplus and locations with a deficit. Relate the energy surplus to temperature.
Describe how the surplus of energy is distributed on Earth by global winds and water currents and how these local and global patterns affect weather and climate.
Describe the difference between the weather at a location and its climate.
Apply knowledge of air mass movement, temperature change with altitude, general patterns of wind currents, general patterns of ocean currents, the uneven heating and cooling of land versus water, and proximity to or distance from water to infer climate differences in different locations.
E - Standard 5.2.J: Uneven heating and cooling of the Earth’s surface produce air masses that differ in density, humidity and temperature. The interaction of these air masses results in significant weather changes.
E - Standard 5.2.G The climate at a location on Earth is the result of several interacting variables such as latitude, altitude and /or proximity to water.
E - Standard 5.2.M Heat energy stored in the oceans and transferred by currents influence climate. A disruption of the circulation and temperature of the world’s oceans would foster climate change and have environmental and economic consequences.